10 Boat Accident Lawyer Meetups You Should Attend

How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and fun, but when you're not careful it can quickly become deadly. Like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've suffered injury in an accident while on the boat, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. To increase your chances of winning, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in an accident while on a boat accident lawsuit the first step is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries that may have occurred. Medical records and other evidence are necessary to support an action for damages including future and current medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

Videos and photos can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important element of evidence, since it can provide important information about the reason for a collision that would otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a time line of what happened in the incident.

A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine which parties might be liable for a victim's injuries as well as the associated losses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident typically involves multiple parties liable, including the boat accident law firm's owner and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer will manage all communication with insurance providers who will be involved in a victim's claim for compensation. A lawyer can assist victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in a court of law and also aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Report a crime

The first thing to do after a boating incident is to make sure everyone is safe. Then, you should call local law enforcement agencies and fill out a report about the incident. Depending on state laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours in which to file an incident report if the accident results in injury or death that requires medical attention above basic first aid. You could also get 10 days to file if unable to find the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 of damage.

You should also stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or people, if possible, without putting your safety or that of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer to note important details like how the accident happened and who was onboard at the time of the collision and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. An experienced lawyer can identify the negligent party responsible for the damages you suffered, and assist you pursue compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. Additionally, bringing an action against the accountable party could result in financial compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional distresses associated with the crash.

3. Examine the damages

Once medical professionals have assessed everyone's injuries and they are in a safe location It is essential to look at the damage to the boat. You must now begin thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and come out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to the one originally reported by you and will then start figuring out how much the damages might be worth.

It is impossible to control every aspect that causes a boat accident. However, if there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel itself, it may be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the manufacturer of the boat.

In these cases, you need an attorney with experience boating claims. They can help you build a strong case that proves the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is also important to remember that various types of boats are protected differently by insurance policies. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners typically covers small boats with engines under 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company when you feel secure and have been to the doctor for any injuries. You'll likely need to notify them even there is no police report filed. Be cautious when you provide details to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to blame someone else for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation paid. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

It is a good thing to collect as many details as you can on the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the accident. Included in this information are the names, addresses and phone number as well as any insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injuries. They can result in significant medical expenses along with lost wages and other damage. The parties responsible should be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to provide the amount you are due Therefore, it is crucial to seek out an experienced New York injury attorney as early as possible. This allows you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing field.